Thermodynamics: Internal Energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving thermodynamics problems related to internal energy changes in gases. The first problem involves a cylinder-and-piston system where the change in internal energy is determined by applying the first law of thermodynamics, emphasizing that temperature remains constant during slow compression. In the second problem, a gas receives heat while expanding, leading to confusion about the relationship between work done and heat input, ultimately concluding that the internal energy change is zero. The third problem requires calculating the original pressure of helium gas under constant pressure conditions, with participants discussing the relationship between work and volume change. Overall, the thread highlights the importance of correctly applying thermodynamic equations and understanding the principles governing energy transfer in gases.
naspri4
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Homework Statement



I need some help on these problems, i got most of the other problems right, but these ones I am not sure what to do with. I don't even know if those are the right equations for it. Someone please help.


1. A cylinder-and-piston containing an ideal gas is placed in contact a thermal reservoir. The volume of the gas is very slowly changed from 50 liters to 12 liters as 50 J of work is done on it by an external agency. Determine the change in the internal energy of the gas.
The answer is in Joules

1.2. Determine the change in the amount of heat flowing into or out of the system. (For reference, a negative value of heat means it is flowing out of the system.)
the answer is in Joules

2. A gas in a thin plastic bag at atmospheric presure receives 10480 J of heat and, in the process, puffs up the bag, increasing its volume by 0.90 m3. By how much is the internal energy of the gas altered?
the answer is in kJ

3. Heat is added to 4.00 m3 of helium gas in an expandable chamber that thereupon increases its volume by 2.00 m3. If in the process 2.22 kJ of work are done by the gas, what was its original pressure?
the answer is in kPa


Homework Equations



change in energy=W
change in energy=W+Q
change in energy=W+Q+Em

The Attempt at a Solution



1. (50-12)+50
1.2. 88-50
2.(10480)(.9)
3.?
 
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Hi naspri4, welcome to PF. One serious problem I see is that you're not making sure your units match. For example, your first answer combines Joules with liters, which can never be right.

I agree with using the equation \Delta U = W + Q for change in energy. The problem is that both \Delta U and Q or W are sometimes unknown. There's also another equation you'll need that connects internal energy to temperature for an ideal gas, and that should be enough to solve these problems.
 
naspri4 said:

Homework Statement



I need some help on these problems, i got most of the other problems right, but these ones I am not sure what to do with. I don't even know if those are the right equations for it. Someone please help.1. A cylinder-and-piston containing an ideal gas is placed in contact a thermal reservoir. The volume of the gas is very slowly changed from 50 liters to 12 liters as 50 J of work is done on it by an external agency. Determine the change in the internal energy of the gas.
The answer is in Joules
If the gas is in contact with a thermal reservoir and it is compressed slowly, what can you say about the temperature of the gas during the process?

1.2. Determine the change in the amount of heat flowing into or out of the system. (For reference, a negative value of heat means it is flowing out of the system.)
the answer is in Joules
Use the answer from the first to determine the heat flow (is it out of or into the gas?).

2. A gas in a thin plastic bag at atmospheric presure receives 10480 J of heat and, in the process, puffs up the bag, increasing its volume by 0.90 m3. By how much is the internal energy of the gas altered?
the answer is in kJ
I think the question must be wrong because the work done exceeds the heat input by about 9 times.

3. Heat is added to 4.00 m3 of helium gas in an expandable chamber that thereupon increases its volume by 2.00 m3. If in the process 2.22 kJ of work are done by the gas, what was its original pressure?
the answer is in kPa
I think you have to assume that the pressure is constant here.

AM
 
Ok, so for the first question, the temperature would be constant meaning there wouldn't be any change. So how would that help me solve the problem? Did I have my equation set up right at the bottom of the first thread. I tried emailing my teacher via webassign but he has not responded for some unknown reason.

The second one was correct being zero, i don't know how but it was.

What about the third question? Any tips on how to solve it?
 
naspri4 said:
Ok, so for the first question, the temperature would be constant meaning there wouldn't be any change. So how would that help me solve the problem? Did I have my equation set up right at the bottom of the first thread. I tried emailing my teacher via webassign but he has not responded for some unknown reason.
Apply the first law. If there is no change in U what is the relationship between Q and W?

The second one was correct being zero, i don't know how but it was.
The work done is 101KPa x .9 m^3 =91KJ. If there is a heat flow of only 10.480 KJ this can't happen.

What about the third question? Any tips on how to solve it?
If pressure is constant, what is the relationship between Work and total change in volume?

AM
 
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